Mortgage Rates Jump Again, Average 5.23%
The run-up follows last week’s average 5.09% for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan. Increases so far this year appear to be impacting buyers and the housing market.
Homelessness and Mental Illness: Cause and Result
HUD study: 45% suffer from some form of mental illness or chronic substance abuse issue, but an estimated 25% have a serious mental illness.
Over 50% of Americans Irked by Neighbors
Survey: 1 in 3 (35%) is annoyed once per month, and 53% get bothered at least multiple times each year. Top complaint? Noise from dogs, babies, TVs, etc.
Investors Buy 25% of Homes in 3 Fla. Metros
Rising rents and stock market fears have sparked real estate investment. Orlando, Miami and Jacksonville are 3 of 7 U.S. markets where they’re over 25% of sales.
High U.S. Home Prices? Not Compared to 2011
Notable home-price increases have occurred in small and large U.S. metros, but it hasn’t been even. In 477 U.S. cities, prices still haven’t hit their earlier peak.
FHFA: Big Changes to Help Disadvantaged Buyers
USA Today calls it “the most sweeping overhaul since the housing crash in 2008.” The three-year strategy focuses on underwriting, appraisals and support programs.
Buyer’s Regret? There’s Also Remodeler’s Regret
The pandemic pushed many Americans to move and others to upgrade their current home. However, about 1 out of 3 remodelers now regret their decision.
Why Have Flood Ins. in Low-Risk Zones? Hurricane Agnes
FEMA says it’s been 50 years since the storm changed U.S. flood policies after crossing the Panhandle and causing massive inland flooding – 8 states, 128 deaths.
Rent Increases: 8 of Top 10 Highest Are Fla. Metros
FAU: At 32.8%, Fort Myers tops U.S. metros in year-to-year rent increases. S. Fla. (up 31.07%), Sarasota (30.88%) and Tampa (26.9%) also made the top five.
HUD: New Tool Helps Buyers Find Home Counselors
Online tool accesses HUD-approved counselors and a toll-free number offers advice in 200 languages on buying, renting, reverse mortgages or evictions/foreclosures.